DESCRIPTION: The mission of the department is to provide pro-active leadership, enhancing the quality of life, and sustainability of Hawai‘i Island communities through programs related to: agriculture, energy, tourism, economic development, community development, and film.

Department Program Areas

Current Highlights

NEW: INNOVATION GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020. R&D is requesting proposals for innovation grant awards in preparation for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The intent of the grant program is to support research, programs, or projects that advance innovation in economic development, tourism, agriculture, creative economy, energy, and sustainable development in Hawai‘i County. For more information and forms, go to our Funding and Grant Resources page.

NEW: HAWAI‘I ISLAND VISITOR PROMOTIONS GRANT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020. R&D is requesting proposals for the visitor promotions grant award in preparation for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The intent of the grant program is to support marketing initiatives that grow Hawai‘i Island’s visitor arrivals and expenditures, and strengthen Hawai‘i Island’s brand to sustain the visitor industry in a way that protects the assets of the island, while providing economic benefit to the island’s businesses and residents. For more information and forms, go to our Funding and Grant Resources page.

Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau and Hawai‘i County Announce Pono Pledge. The Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau (IHVB) and County of Hawai‘i have partnered to launch the “Pono Pledge,” a new public information campaign aimed to at educating and encouraging residents and visitors to be safe, responsible and respectful to each other and the environment while enjoying the bounty of the island of Hawai‘i. See full pledge on the Tourism page. For more information, please see the attached news release.

News

The County of Hawai‘i has 1,300 acres available for lease at the Kapulena agricultural park located in Kapulena Meadows, mauka of the Upper Cane Haul Road. The property is currently fallow former sugarcame land overgrown with Guinea grass, ironwood trees and other invasive weeds.

The elevation of the park ranges between 1,000 to 2,000 feet and the temperature ranges between 71-76 degrees Fahrenheit. Average rainfall is 70 inches and there is no other existing source of water. Slope ranges from 10-35%. Possible uses: Cattle ranching, orchard and truck crops, flowers and forestry.